Heat and drought stress have led to lawn problems. In most cases, allowing turfgrass to grow out of the damage or overseeding bare areas in late August is the best course of action at this time of year.
Aschochyta leaf blight is a fungal disease that mostly affects Kentucky bluegrass but can occur on tall fescue. Symptoms are large areas of turf turning tan. On close inspection, the tips of leaf blades appear bleached and die from the tip down. Symptoms appear suddenly and seem quite severe, often affecting large areas of turf; however, this disease seldom causes permanent damage. While it is a fungal disease, Aschochyta is associated with stress from drought, low fertility or other factors.
Summer patch is a disease that affects older Kentucky Bluegrass (KBG) lawns. Symptoms are circular patches of dead turf with a healthy tuft of grass in the center and brown roots; typically seen in full sun or high stress areas near sidewalks and driveways.
